Valorization of lignin to develop high-value products

The conversion of lignocellulosic resources into high-value products offers significant environmental and economic benefits, contributing to the development of a more circular and sustainable economy. Millions tonnes of forestry lignocellulosic residues are produced annually globally. Lignin, one of the main components of  lignocellulosic biomass is produced in large quantities as a by-product of the pulp and paper industry. Due to the broad set of functional properties, lignin can serve as an excellent precursor for innovative, multifunctional bio-based materials.

The project idea aims to establish international collaboration in the area of developing novel functionalised lignins and explore their applications across different fields: as antimicrobial agents_,_ bioadhesives, wood-based composites. Partners joining the team can focus on other types of lignin and different application areas for instance cosmetics, food and feed supplements formulation, agricultural protection and fertilisers etc.

Till now we have several partners on the board incl. New Zealand, Denmark and Poland, however we are looking to add someone who can take the coordination. We will also need some industrial partners who is interested in application of lignin-based products and in validating them under industrial conditions.